For those who miss watching competitive basketball locally, wait no longer.
The Success, Leadership and Unity Basketball Academy, an organization run by Tariq Macklin, is hosting an event known as the "Next Gen High School Showcase" this Sunday August 15th at Dexter Park in the city of Cortland.
Games for the showcase will begin at 1 p.m. The event is bringing in teams from the Southern Tier and central New York, and will provide exposure for some of the area’s top local athletes.
“We do this for the love and passion of the game, for the youth, and the next generation,” Macklin said. “Caleb Wright (local physical trainer) and I are spreading our knowledge to help kids get their game to the next level on and off the court.”
Photo provided bt Tariq Macklin.
Macklin noted that Cortland is “like a second home to me. I want to display the young talent to the area.”
“I’m from Queens (New York), but played basketball and graduated from TC3,” he said.
Macklin currently coaches in Cortland for the CNY HEAT’s AAU program of John Tobin’s league.
When asked about the experience one may feel while attending and watching the games, Macklin said, “I want to bring a NYC vibe of basketball that is entertaining and missed out on in upstate New York.”
Macklin had another reason for his desire to make the event happen, which was dear to his heart.
“I've always dreamed of doing something like this. When my fiance passed away early this year, I finally decided to do it. If not for me, at least for her because we always talked about doing it one day,” Macklin said, who added that he and his fiance also wanted to open their own sports complex.
For the event, there is no parking or admission fee. However, Macklin said, space is limited. Macklin is accepting donations to raise money for the awards, t-shirts, and to cover the cost of a DJ at the event. His email is [email protected].
Macklin spoke in the spirit of gratitude. He wanted to make sure to thank the Cortland Youth Bureau and other local sponsors.
